Tag: Beauty Blogger

I tried my best! Trust me. But these are the least that I can show There were many in my collection. So, don’t be bored if the video has become really very long as I tried giving extra information and tips but due to time, I had to just omit some parts 😦 I hope this will help in any way.

Featuring in this video are all makeup brushes you will find in makeup brush sets, what they are used for and which ones worked for me.

Powder Brush

Can be used for compact powders, loose powder, blush and bronzers.

Kabuki Brushes

Ideal for Liquid foundations but can be used for powder and cake foundations too. Use them for your cream contouring and highlighting or for applying face powder, no restrictions 🙂

Tapered Brush

The one in the picture is by Real Technique. It is basically a contour brush but I use it to apply blush and highlighters. Amazing results.

Flat Foundation Brush:

These are flat foundation brush , if you want , you can try with it but I am not able to use it for foundation instead I use it to apply face mask, concealer & cream contour.

These are some of the brushes I mentioned in the video. To see the complete video, click here. Here is a suggestion for everyone, if you are a beginner, I suggest go for an affordable makeup brush sets, they are equally of good quality as high-end. Do not splurge on high-end, first try from the drugstore which ones suit you. Drugstore makeup brushes are also of extraordinary quality, they will give you the same result as any other brushes will. Never think that if you are using MAC , then only you will get flawless results because it is totally wrong. Achieving flawless makeup is by the technique and product you use not your brush. My makeup brushes are mostly from the Drugstore because I am very satisfied with them. No complains whatsoever , so check down below my suggestions.

Bh Cosmetics Brush sets

Coastal Scents Brush sets

Morphe Brushes

Real Techniques.

I also have bought some sets which is not of any well-known brand such as Make Up For You. If you get your hands on one of these sets, then use it! Regarding shedding of bristles even two of my Sigma brushes started shedding after my first wash. Moral of the story, go for affordable ones with good quality. The brands I mentioned above are the ones providing us with reliable quality brushes.

Where you can order the above if you live in UAE- Click here for my recommended online stores that can get them for you. OR check out the websites , http://www.girliestuffs.com and Glamazle.com

Note: Make sure to clean your brushes every week. This is how I clean.

So I entered this small but not so tiny room with a very cozy ambiance to find myself surrounded by beautiful people and very pleasing aroma of Arabic perfume but with a touch of the western world. The environment gave an instant feel of Aoud and Bukhoor all over the place and couldn’t just take my eyes off the endless collection of perfumes displayed for all of us to try. Who doesn’t love Aabian frangrances. Don’t judge me if I felt like showering myself with everything I laid my hands on there. They were irresistible. I am not a big fan of perfumes all my life and that’s because I am allergic to too much of it. You will find me sneezing where perfumes are sprayed. But this time it was different. Not a single time a sneezed or felt my nose was bothered. There was something more with those perfumes than just some fancy bottles with ordinary aromatic fluid inside. I picked a random bottle that was displayed and sprayed on myself, it reminded me that I was on the land of The Arabs and few minutes later, I realized it wasn’t just the typical arabic smell but there was more to it but what was it? This question was answered when the Master Perfumer started speaking about his perfumes.

Roja Dove:

British Master Perfumer

Ambassador for the GREAT Britain campaign

I am fortunate to have always lived a charmed life – happy to walk the path I was born to travel along. I was exceptionally lucky with my debut into the professional world of perfumery as I was offered a role within the most prestigious of all French perfumery houses. My training was classical, studying the great masterpieces, and learning the beauty of the raw materials and how they have been used over time to create different effects. In some ways I was totally ruined, I grew up in a world full of vicuna, silk, and cashmere, rather than wool, cotton, and nylon.-Roja Dove”

My favorite quote:

I do not believe it is possible to be creative to order, it is an emotional process. My intuition alone leads me.” – Roja Dove

Roja Parfums

Redefines Luxury and Sophistication in Perfumery for the Modern Age

1. They use the finest quality materials available; from precious Rose de Mai to legendary Ambergris.

2. Roja Parfums is made without compromise.

3. Every element has Roja’s personal attention to detail.

4. They are fragrances that discretely deliver quality, luxury, and sophistication; quite simply.

5. Not just for fragrances, they also use precious natural materials for the packaging. For the bottles, caps, plaques and boxes they use crystal, gold, precious metals, and silk.

6. Each bottle is manufactured in France and made of the purest, clearest glass used in the industry

7. The gold detail is screen-printed in England onto the glass by hand in a process that takes three days to complete.

8. Each perfume cap, the symbol of Roja Parfums, requires fourteen Swarovski crystals each set by hand in a process that takes five days to finish.

The design on of the Swarovski work on the cap is inspired by the Maestro’s diamond ring. ❤

9. The front of each bottle is adorned with a golden plaque applied to the glass by hand in England.

10. Each precious bottle sits within an equally precious presentation box that is hand assembled in England by award winning craftsmen who use the finest quality papers, woods, and silks, many of which are created exclusively for Roja Parfums.

Following are the details of the Parfums launched.

Roja Parfums A Goodnight Kiss-

So lying in one corner was this very beautifully presented perfume(not that the their perfumes aren’t presented well) that looked very different from the rest. The white flowers gave a very feminine feel to the perfume.

A Goodnight Kiss is a new perfume for women inspired by Roja’s mother and was created on her birthday. Though I love most of his perfumes, I know for sure that this is my favorite because its fragrance reminds me of the bond between two people; how a son captured a moment in a luxurious bottle in remembrance of his mother.

I remember vividly being about 6 years old and seeing my mother standing in the doorway of my bedroom wearing a gold lame cocktail dress, the light from the landing coming over her as if she had a corona around her. Enchanted by this vision, as my mother came and kissed me goodnight, her scent together with the smell of her face powder pervaded me. Her scent, intertwined with that image, will always stay with me.

Roja Dove Tutti Frutti

The sweet-toothed I am,this line of perfumes seriously made me hungry. The master Perfumer has for us these yummilicious perfumes that is a blend of sweetness and Aoud. Fruity, Candy and Sweetie are three irresistible perfumes that begs to be endeavored.

Surrounded by indulgence and edible guilty pleasures whilst working in the Middle East, I noticed that lovers of Aoud were craving something new – something creative – so I began playing with the idea of infusing Aoud with gourmand elements.” – Roja Dove.

Candy Aoud – Rich, Soft, Warm, Fruity, Sweet & Spicy

Top Notes: Bergamot, Grapefruit

Heart Notes: Banana, Pear, Blackcurrant, Apple, Rose

A rich, leathery base of Gurjum, Amber, Frankincense, Labdanum, Birch Tar, Fir Balsam, Leather, powdery Orris, and Musk is warmed by a blend of Aoud, Sandal, Cedar, and Casmir Woods, Patchouli, Oakmoss, Amyris, and Cypriol, which mingles with an unusual note of Rhubarb, the whole enlivened by Cardamom and Saffron, whilst Rose further sweetens a fruity heart of Banana, Pear, Blackcurrant, and Apple, counterpointed by citrus Bergamot and Grapefruit.

A fresh burst of Grapefruit, Bergamot and aromatic Artemeisa opens this creation, made ultra-fruity by a medley of Blackcurrant, Raspberry, and Strawberry, further sweetened by Orange Blossom, Rose and Violet, underscored by an earthy blend of Patchouli, Cypriol, Amyris, and Oakmoss, further warmed by Aoud, Sandal, Cedar, Casmir, and Guaiac Woods, the whole nestling on a soft, sensual base of Vanilla, Orris, Frankincense, Labdanum, Birch, Tar, Gurjum, and Leather Notes, with whispers of Musk.

Sweetie Aoud – Rich, Soft, Gourmand, Warm & Sweet

Top Notes: Bergamot, Artemisia

Heart Notes: Rose, Patisserie Accord

Bergamot mingles with Artemisa to create a fresh foil for a note of cool Rose at the heart of this creation, further sweetened by a Patisserie Accord, warmed by a blend of Cedar, Guaiac, Cade, and Aoud Woods, with sandalwood-like-Amyris, where exotic notes of Gurjum, Cypriol, and Patchouli are enlivened by Cumin and Cardamom, nestling on a leathery base of Frankincense, Cistus, and Labdanum.

Cost: AED 2370 each 50ml at Paris Gallery

Roja Parfums De La Nuit

Surrender to the Spell of the Night

When I hear palettes, makeup comes in mind. Contour/highlight palette, lipstick palette, blush palette and eyeshadow palette. But Roja Dove introduces us all to a perfume palette with three alluring elixirs that weave their own magical spells, as night falls. The palette represents the three characters one can find in the darkness of the night. This part of the event made me wander through my wildest imagination as each and every scent was perfectly explained taking you to a whole different place with different scenarios.

The rich, oriental fragrances inspired by the after-dark feature a plethora of luxurious ingredients that demand attention

No.1

Provocative and rich, this fragrant exhibitionist instantly announces its presence. Mesmerizing any who fall into its path, it is the most alluring of perfumes.

Bergamot wraps around a warm blend of Guaiac and Cedar Woods, Patchouli, Papyrus, and Vetiver, enlivened by Clove and costly Saffron, the whole held captive in a soft, balsamic base of Cistus, Labdanum, Benzoin, Tolu Balsam, Styrax, Vanilla, and Tonka Bean, made sensual by Civet and Castoreum.

No.2

Soft, warm and tantalizing, this fragrance revels in the power of attraction. The warmth of a touch, the excitement of a quick glance, No. 2 is the master of magnetism.

A Rum Accord blends with Cocoa at the heart of this creation, which is counterpointed by the freshness of citrus Bergamot, Lemon, and Orange, warmed by papyrus, Patchouli, Vetiver, and Guaiac Wood, the whole sublimated by a soft, sensual base of Cistus, Labdanum, Benzoin, Tolu Balsam, Tonka Bean, Civet and Castoreum

No.3

Exotic, mysterious, and enticing, this fragrance invites you to experience the allure of the unknown.

Fresh Bergamot, Amyris, and Artemesia counterpoint a note of cool Rose in the heart of this creation, where a lively blend of Cardamom, Cumin, and Saffron is warmed by Cedar, Sandal, Guaiac, and Juniper Woods, made earthy by Cypriol, Gurjum, and Patchouli, underscored by a rich base of Incense, Styrax, Benzoin, Amber, Cistus, leather-like Labdanum, and other Leather Notes.

“Risqué Parfum Pour Homme is a sensory exploration of how society tells us to behave, think and act, so I created a perfume that represents a deviation from propriety. A scent that seems disciplined but reveals itself to be darker and more complex over time.

The scent appears to be gentlemanly and refined, but with each breath it subtly reveals something more carnal. Risqué Parfum Pour Homme – something that should be kept behind closed doors.” – Roja Dove, Master Perfumer

The warmth of Cedarwood, Vetiver, and Oakmoss is enlivened by Pink Pepper and Cardamom, held captive in a soft base of Frankincense, Myrrh, Labdanum, and Tonka Bean, where a heart of Geranium and Jasmine mingle with an unusual note of Carrot Seed, further sweetened by Peach, the whole freshened by Bergamot, Lemon, Lavender, and Litsea Cubeba.

Roja Dove’s Risqué Parfum Pour Homme will be available at Paris Gallery starting September 2015

Cost: AED 2050 for 50ml.

Roja Parfums “Beguiled”

When Nothing Is What It Seems

That day , I recalled a word I have read only in romantic novels I read during my teenage life; Beguile… As creative and artistic as Roja is, I wasn’t at all surprised that one of his perfumes is named Beguiled. He knows what he does, understands a woman and observes her from head to toe. A woman is someone who can be who and what she wants. She wears an invisible veil so people can only see what she wants to show at the same time she hides what is not meant for the world to see.

Roja Parfums says:

Behind its floral innocence, Beguiled reveals a darker side; nothing is what it seems as natural aphrodisiacs weave their powerful magic, creating a seduction that is so addictive it begs to be smelt again and again.

The woman who wears Beguiled casts a fragrant spell – captivating all who encounter her. With each breath they are helpless, enchanted by its potent hypnotism. And so the perfume’s power to beguile begins…

A burst of Bergamot, Lemon and Mandarin opens this creation which is sweetened by a bouquet of Rose, Jasmine, and creamy Ylang Ylang, where an unusual note of Raspberry Leaf is enlivened by Pink Pepper and Pepper, nestling on a warm base of Oakmoss, Patchouli, Sandalwood and powdery Orris.

Cost: AED 2050 for 50ml at Paris Gallery

My Thoughts:

If you have been following my blog, you’d know by now that I am not into high end brands that much because I find them to be over priced for no good reason. Specially with makeup, you can find the exact dupe of high-end stuff from the drugstore. So , I really had all the good reasons to stay away from them but this event by Paris Gallery changed my perspective with regards to high end brands. I am really impressed by the tremendous effort placed while making each perfume. From ingredients to the packaging. The concept behind each fragrance was so deep and really got me thinking. This I would say is so worth every penny. I would suggest you all to study each and every fragrance if you plan to buy one because it will help you choose which scent you really want and prefer. I was in abaya when I sprayed the perfume on and it’s been 4 days already and my room smells so “Beguiled” ( this was what I splashed on myself at the event) 😀 A Goodnight Kiss is definitely in my wishlist. ❤

I still remember how my last review from this line was a hit on my Facebook. Why won’t it be? It was a really good product. I do not compromise at all with products I apply on my face and whenever a new company contacts me for reviews , I thoroughly do my research first before anything. NuSkin is one company I haven’t heard of at all till I used their Mask for the first time ,which I really loved (I did hesitate when applying for the first time though)but since then they earned my trust and so I started using another product from them which is what this post will be about.

But before anything , I’d like to highlight something that I have noticed and would like to pour in my opinion. As I’m part of many Blogging Facebook groups, I have noticed that a lot of members have phobia of sellers from Forever Living, Younique etc. We can’t really blame them as their representatives didn’t leave any leaf unturned in destroying these companies’ reputation by following annoying selling method. So , recently I saw a post in a group about the same complain but with NuSkin mentioned as well as other other two mentioned above. The main issue that groups’ members have is why are these companies allowed in bloggers’ groups and attract bloggers by advertising saying”opportunities for bloggers” when in fact they are just trying to sell. I 100% agree to this. But I definitely would like to share my experience with Nuskin. I was contacted by a very nice lady , introduced me to their products (the best sellers I believe) then asked me if I would like to review. I asked for the website and while chatting with her I went through their website and Googled about them. I said yes for the review and we finalized everything with the address where to get the samples delivered. During this chat, the lady offered me to join them but she wasn’t at all annoying or insisting and I really appreciate that. She let me decide and gave me my space about this. I posted the same review about them in those groups which you are reading at the moment. Yes Nuskin do recruit reps but my experience wasn’t bad at all that I will block them. That’s the reason you all can see my reviews of their products. I am not their rep at all and just like other companies do, they sent me samples to review with no strings attached. However, I know for the fact that they would want me to join. Aim of this mini experience review is to give people/brand due respect they deserve. If I experienced bad, I would definitely talk about it, but if my experience is otherwise then I should let everyone know about it too.

So moving on to the review.

Product Name: Polishing Peel Skin Refinisher( Click the picture to be directed to their website)

Key ingredients: (from their site)

Pumpkin enzymes—immediately work to resurface and smooth skin by dissolving built up dead and damaged cells.

Enjoy skin smoothing results clinically proven to be equivalent to a professional microdermabrasion session without ever leaving home. Polishing Peel™ features pumpkin enzymes to resurface,soften, and polish the skin and bentonite clay to remove dull skin cells and toxins. A convenient alternative to professional micro-dermabrasion treatments, Polishing Peel™ delivers a fresh, healthy complexion. To maintain apolished appearance, use three times the first week and twice a week thereafter.

My thoughts:

What intrigued me was that, people go for professional surgical treatments , spend a lot of money and their time to bring back their youthful skin which is highly affected by exposure to sun, ageing or any skin problem. Nuskin claims that this polishing peel does the same job as any microdermabrasion treatments do. Of course there will be a bit of a difference, I haven’t tried the surgical one but with surgery you see results immediately. Of course, with something you are doing yourself , the results will take some time. The result of this polishing peel is amazing. at first, I found it very hard to deal with as I wasn’t really sure how to use it. I let it dry completely due to which I found it very hard to rub it off. So do not let it dry completely, as soon as it settles on the skin start massaging in circular motion, you will see all the dirt coming off. I applied it all over my neck and face and every time I do that, my skin looks lighter , smooth and non-greasy. For all those wanting to get rid of their fake tans, this one will do the job for you as it literally rips off unwanted layer on top of your skin.

Watch the video for the demo on how to use it , I used my hands as I do not show my face but the steps are the same when applied on face. Make sure to start with a clean dry face and finish off with face toner and then moisturizer.

To order and check reviews, click here. OR you can email at thueyw@hotmail.com

hope you all had a great weekend. I surely did and now looking forward to a whole new week with lots of plans. Speaking of plans, it was my nail care day yesterday so I filmed a video to show you all how I do that , it is very easy and quick. Quick is what we want,right. So, this is just how I do it, if you want you can do it the conventional way where you scrub your hands first, have those fancy bowls and get the candles burning. All that I do when I have all the time in the world while this one is very much ideal for those trying to get their nails done while kids are having their nap or during a lunch break. I won’t be explaining anything in detail here as the video will show you the whole process.

Enjoy!

What we need:

A towel or plastic mat– spread it on the table or the space where you are going to do your manicure

Cuticle remover – Cuticle is the dead skin lying at the base of your nails. The remover softens the cuticles,making the whole process easy.

Antiseptic / Disinfectant- In case you have hurt yourself during the process most likely you won;t even know as you might cut a dried skin not knowing you overdid it,applying disinfectants helps a lot. Make sure your tool are sterilized and these disinfectants are for that purpose too.

Cuticle Pusher- Gently push the surface of your nails with this tool and the cuticle will be removed.

Cuticle Clipper/cutter- Cut the extra skin you see after pushing cuticles.

Nail Clipper/cutter- To shape the nails

Nail File- To smoothen the edges of nails.

Manicure or Nail brush (whatever you call it in your country)- Brush off the cuticles from above your nails. You can use nay spare tooth brush too.

Nail Polish(Optional) – This is totally up to you if you want to finish off your nail routine with a nail color or just a base coat or neither.

We women are so different from one another. While some would prefer vanilla latte(like me) , some would want to have black coffee. With makeup, it is totally the same formula. Some would want to have full makeup in their collection. would apply almost each and every item and go through the hassles of blending the colors of eyeshadows to getting the right amount of highlighter and bronzer while some would rather stay away from all of them and prefer having eyeliner , blush and a lip gloss only.

Then there are those who knows that makeup runs in their blood and are sure that’s what they are going to live for LOL (exaggeration but I’m sure you know what I mean). But every girl has to go through the dilemma of deciding which beauty product should be in her makeup kit , as a beginner. With many friends and acquaintances seeking help on this topic , I decided to give my share of advice or suggestion.

My makeup beginner kit is very simple. I believe in keeping only what you need if you are just starting with makeup for the following reasons: (later on you can keep stuff that you even do not need :P)

you might be on a budget

you wouldn’t want to spend on something you never know how it would turn out to be.

you might want something then realize that you don’t really need that after purchasing.

the lesser products , the easier to learn and master your skills on them.

So we have all the good reasons to keep it very less.

Here is what you need:

makeup pouch/kit

a lipstick or lip gloss- If you are wise ,get both the items for the price of one. Check out which dual lip gloss I am rocking at the moment, here .

bb cream- applying foundation is a skill. I suggest getting yourself BB cream as it is easy to work with , no trick needed to apply that and not much of problem with shade. Once you are familiar applying this, go ahead and get your choice of foundation. You seriously do not need a face primer even as a pro, let alone beginner. (that’s another issue I’m going to touch later). Prep your skin before applying your makeup by applying moisturizer, it will work as primer and keep your makeup there all day long. Use your fingers to apply this and you are done.

blush- Do no get carried away and buy a lot of colors. Choose a shade you think you’d like and good for everyday wear whether day or night.

eyeshadow(Optional)- I labelled this as optional depending on what you really like. Some would want to just finish their makeup with eyeliner on, while some would want to get their hands on some eyeshadows. So choose a small palette with warm shades for a starter as they are easy to work with. No fear of looking so overwhelming.( what I have in the picture is NYX Love in Paris)

eyeshadow brush- Get yourself one eyeshadow brush and one blending brush.

mascara- Mascara is very important and shouldn’t be miss no matter what. Even if you are going for a makeup-free look, I suggest apply mascara in that case too. It helps eyes pop open and give it more wider/awakening look.

eyeliner- No matter how we love gel liners as we see those perfect cat winged eyes, hold your excitement and get yourself pencil eyeliner for now. Anyway you wouldn’t be jumping on to creating that cat wing as a beginner, right? So make life easy and use pencil for now.

concealer- A must have. you will need this to cover obvious imperfections as your BB cream might not do the job of covering everything.

pressed powder- You need a powder to set your BB cream, for that choose one that suits your skin type.

powder brush – to be used for blush and powder if you are using loose powder.

angled brush- to give your eyebrows that perfect shape.

spooly- my favorite brush to tame my brows before outlining them.

Hope you enjoyed looking at my beginner’s kit. What’s yours? Do you think I missed anything?

A secret to perfect eye makeup look is a lot of blending. We do not want to show anyone as if a painter used our eyes as canvas. When doing my makeup, I always remember these golden words-

“Yes, yes ,yes to blending and No to harsh lines”❤

I always say this, there are no rules when it comes to makeup. If I find a brush that works perfectly on the crease of my eyes, is soft, and fluffy, I will use it as blending brush. All depends on what look I am going for that day.

So here are my favorite brushes to blend my eyeshadows , whether matte or shimmery. I own way more than a normal girl should own(not proud) brushes but I picked my top most favorites.

Me favorite blending brushes

So I have here :

2 Sigma Dual brush I got from my Eyeshadow palettes in Dare and Flare- The black bristles shed a bit otherwise it is just my ideal.